5 NFL Athletes Who Rock Compression Gear

Monday, August 4, 2014

When it comes to professional sports, the days of throwing on the basic uniform and protective gear are over...

When it comes to professional sports, the days of throwing on the basic uniform and protective gear are over. Now athletes are doing whatever it takes to increase comfort, expedite recovery, and of course, maximize performance. When the pros see their rivals rocking gear like specialized running socks and compression sleeves, they’re going to level the playing field—and NFL players are a perfect example. Whether it’s for the additional muscle support and increased circulation or team superstition, football players can’t resist compression gear.

Here are just a few NFL players who’ve rocked compression gear on the bench, on the field and at the Super Bowl to pick up their first Vince Lombardi trophy.

1. RUSSELL WILSON

Wilson is the sixth quarterback since 1984 to start a Super Bowl in just his second NFL season, following Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Ben Roethlisberger and Colin Kaepernick. As a result, the 25-year-old led the Seattle Seahawks to win their first Super Bowl trophy.

2. RICHARD SHERMAN

Sherman is another member of the team who crushed the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII—the third largest point differential in Super bowl history. The cornerback has had more interceptions (20) and defended more passes (61) than any other NFL player since entering the league, earning him his place in the “Legion of Boom” and prompting many analysts to deem him the best cornerback in the league. Perhaps it’s those compression running socks that are giving him that extra edge.

3. AARON RODGERS

The Green Bay Packers’ quarterback is another champion who wears compression gear. After backing up the iconic Brett Favre for three years, in 2008, Rodgers became the Packers’ starting quarterback and led the team to win the Super Bowl XLV after the 2010 season. 2011 was a big year for Rodgers—he was named Super Bowl MVP, the Associated Press Athlete of the Year and was voted League MVP. Rodgers keeps his muscles warm with compression sleeves and socks on those cold game days in Green Bay.

4. BEN ROETHLISBERGER

It’s true—Big Ben wears compression running socks! At the age of 23, Roethlisberger led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL, becoming the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback